The Senior Skinny

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Our Gift To You

The Granby Senior Center will offer all Special Events and Lifetime Learning programs for free to all current members during the months of November and December. This excludes exercise classes.

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of health services, support groups, clubs and ongoing activities. All programs are currently being held on Zoom. If you need instructions on how to connect, please let us know.

There are three ways to register and pay for Senior Center membership dues and programs.

Online registration and payment. Use your Membership Tag to register and pay online at myactivecenter.com/#centers/USA.CT.Granby.Granby-Senior-Center If you have lost your membership tag, please call the Senior Center.

Call the Senior Center at 860-844-5350 to register and pay with a credit card by phone.

Call the Senior Center at 860-844-5350 to register and mail a check to 15C North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035.


Special Events

Coffee and Conversation: Thursday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. via Zoom. Guest speaker Bob Maxon, weekday morning meteorologist on NBC Connecticut News Today, will share stories from his long career—from the craziest weather he has covered to what it is like behind the scenes. Register by Nov. 3. Free for members.

Thanksgiving Bingo: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Turkeys, pilgrims, pumpkins and more will be the order of the day with this fun, Thanksgiving-themed bingo. Prizes will be mailed. Register by Nov. 1. Free for members.

Pumpkin Pie and Say Hi: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will be holding a drive-thru “Pumpkin Pie and Say Hi” event. All participants will receive a piece of pumpkin pie to take home with them. The staff will be on hand to greet you and say hello. Register by Nov. 11. Free for members.

The Communal Table: Thursday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Join the staff at the Granby Senior Center as we share stories of our Thanksgiving traditions, enjoy pictures from past dinners at the Senior Center and talk about what we are grateful for in a year that has been full of challenges. Register by Nov. 12. Free for members.


Lifetime Learning Academy

American History…What do you Know? Tuesdays, Nov. 3–Dec. 29 via Zoom. Presented by Jerry Perkins, a former history professor who brings his unique sense of history to life, teaching on a variety of topics from Pre-Columbian times to current events. This is a discussion-based group with participants helping to choose which subjects will be studied. Free for members.

Why She Plays: The World of Women’s Basketball: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Since the enactment of Title IX in 1972, that question has come to be asked of more girls and women—and answered in more ways—than ever before. Author Christine A. Baker, herself an avid player and an assistant coach, pursues an answer through the ranks of the sport from youth basketball to the WNBA. Register by Nov. 5. Free for members.

Art Talks from Museums Around the World: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Presented by Elizabeth McDonald, who has traveled extensively to many museums all around the world. You will be invited to take a virtual tour of a museum prior to the event and then participate in a discussion format, noting group observations, reflections, and takeaways. Register by Nov. 11. Free for members.

Support Services

Alzheimer’s Support: Caring for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance at 800-272-3900.

Ask the Attorney: The first Wednesday of the month, by appointment. Specializing in Elder Law. Please call to set up an appointment for a free consultation. 860-844-5352.

CHOICES Counseling: CHOICES provides information and assistance about Medicare and its drug coverage plans. Call 1-800-994-9422 to speak with a counselor.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Thursdays at noon via Zoom. A group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Share friendships, tips, and ideas on being a parent again. Free.

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Checks: Every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Provided by Farmington Valley VNA. By appointment at the Granby Senior Center. Call 860-844-5350 to reserve your time. Please wear a mask. Free.

Senior Van Service

The Senior Vans operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Out-of-town medical appointments may be made no earlier than 9:30 a.m. and no later than 2 p.m. Call at least one week in advance when requesting rides for appointments. Annual van fee is $10. Call 860-844-5353 to schedule a ride or to get more information.

Exercise Classes

Held via Zoom. Must pre-register, no drop-ins.

Must have a minimum of eight participants per class.

Yoga: Mondays, Nov. 2–Dec. 28, 10–10:45 a.m. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement. Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required. Cost: $45 residents; $54 non-residents.

Chi Gong: Wednesdays, Nov. 4–Dec. 30, at 8:30 a.m. Instructor, Mary Ellen Mullins. Chi means “energy” and Gong means “to activate.” In this gentle, low impact, standing (or seated) class we activate our vital life force or energy with a series of breathing, stretching and balancing techniques. The practice of Chi Gong helps us to feel grounded, nurtured and relaxed so that the body’s energy can be naturally directed to help our organs function optimally, create flexibility in the muscles, suppleness in the joints and bring balance to our emotions. It is also wonderful for healing and pain management. Like Tai Chi, Chi Gong is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Classes will feature the elements and poses appropriate for the current season. Expand your knowledge of the wonders of traditional Chinese medicine and the physiological functions of the meridians and internal organs of the body. Accessible and beneficial to all levels. Cost: $48 residents; $56 non-residents.

Cardio and Strength: Fridays, Nov. 6–Dec. 18, 10–10:45 a.m. Instructor, Mary Fuller. Emphasis is given to finding a balance between flexibility and strength and exploring how, with practice, we can find increased fluidity of movement. Yoga experience is somewhat helpful but not required. Cost: $30 residents; $36 non-residents.

For updates on exercise classes check our Facebook page or website. GranbyCTSeniorCenter or granby-ct.gov/senior-service